How To Find a Trustworthy Moving Company

There are a lot of great professional and experienced moving
companies that provide nothing less than first-class moving
service. However, as a consumer, it is up to you to conduct
the proper research to find the best moving company for your
move.

Is the mover licensed with your state's Department of Transportation
(DOT)?

Reputable movers are always licensed with the Department
of Transportation. Be sure to check your mover's license
certificate and call the DOT for verification.

What kind of estimate does the mover offer?

Binding. The mover offers a guaranteed price, within a small
percentage of deviation, that is based on a complete list
of items to be moved and the type of service performed.

Non-binding or hourly rate. This is not an estimate at all,
only a price list. These rates are based upon the movers'
previous experience of jobs similar to yours.

Not to exceed. This quote is binding only on the mover.
The final price for the move cannot exceed the estimate figure;
but if the move comes in under the estimated amount you pay
the lesser price. Your mover cannot give you a binding estimate
over the telephone or the Internet. For a more accurate appraisal,
a professional estimator needs to physically look over every
item that you wish to have moved. In addition, know (1) which
items you are packing, (2) which items the mover is packing,
(3) which items need to be picked up from a storage facility
and (4) what packing supplies you'll need from them. Most
importantly, make sure the movers know the exact destination.
Once the inventory is completed, your mover will be able to
give you either a binding or a "not to exceed" estimate,
which can be relied upon.

Take advantage of free moving estimates, and get them from
several reliable movers. Having several free estimates will
give you a very good idea of how costly your move will be.
Keep in mind that certain movers offer unguaranteed estimates
that are outrageously low, and then hand you a large bill
when the move is complete. In order to avoid this predicament,
always make sure that any estimates you receive from movers
are either binding or include a "not to exceed"
clause. For more information about getting a good estimate
and calculating the cost of your move, see Mover MAX's Tips
on Getting a Good Estimate. Keep in mind, however, that
moving is about more than getting the best price; it's about
arriving at your new house safe and sound.

Have a lot of complaints been levied against the mover?

As you might expect, movers receive complaints. Although
some are justifiably petty, beware of any mover who has received
the same complaint from a number of customers, whether about
price, the handling of household goods, or punctuality. Your
local Better Business Bureau
and your state's DOT can give you information about how a
mover resolves complaints.

Was the mover recommended to you?

We all know that the best recommendations for any mover
comes from satisfied customers. However, this is not a substitute
for your own research. Ask each of your prospective movers
for references from previous customers and for documents on
their history of service.

Is the mover a member of a local trade association?

Local trade associations maintain high standards and can
give you detailed information about companies' business practices.
In the case of a dispute, you will have a higher power with
whom to air your grievances. One such trade organization is
the American Movers Conference.